Service & Sacrifice: The military's most exclusive gathering

At a ceremony last weekend, the symbolic passing of the Medal of Honor flag was accepted by organizers in Knoxville. Twelve months from now this city will host the 79 living recipients who wear the nation’s highest award for valor in combat.

In our ongoing series about East Tennessee veterans, 10News looks back at the most recent gathering of the military's most exclusive group.

Last week The Medal of Honor Society held its annual convention in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The medal has deep ties to those battlefields and to the Knoxville area.

Fourteen men from East Tennessee have been awarded the nation's highest award for valor in combat. Of the millions who have served in America's armed forces, fewer than 3,500 who have worn a uniform have received that honor.

And in 2014 the living recipients will gather in Knoxville after the city won the right to host the convention in 2014.